Youth Safety Policy
Creating safe, supportive, trauma-informed spaces where girls can grow with dignity and confidence.
Last Updated: June 7, 2026
Vetted Mentors & Staff
Background checks and training for all adults
No Unsupervised Contact
Group settings and visibility protocols
Trauma-Informed
Trained in compassionate, safe practices
Mandatory Reporting
Legal obligation to report suspected abuse
Parental Consent
Full consent and communication with families
Privacy Protection
Secure data and media consent protocols
Our Commitment to Safety
She Is Legendary is committed to providing safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environments for all participants.
We recognize that many girls have experienced challenges, trauma, or difficult circumstances. Our programs are designed to be emotionally safe spaces where girls are treated with dignity, respect, and care.
This Youth Safety Policy outlines the standards, procedures, and protocols we follow to protect the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of every girl in our programs.
1. Screening and Background Checks
All staff, mentors, volunteers, and adults with program access must complete:
- Comprehensive background checks including criminal history, sex offender registry, and child abuse registry checks
- Reference checks from previous employers or volunteer organizations
- In-person or video interview with program leadership
- Signed Code of Conduct agreement
- Youth Protection Training (completed before first interaction with participants)
Background checks are renewed every two years for all active volunteers and staff.
2. Supervision and Interaction Guidelines
Two-Adult Rule
No adult is permitted to be alone with a minor participant. All program activities, mentorship sessions, and portrait sessions include at least two adults present or are conducted in open, visible spaces.
Visibility and Open-Door Policy
- All interactions occur in visible, accessible spaces
- Doors remain open or have windows
- Private conversations occur in visible areas (e.g., corner of a room with others present)
- Portrait sessions are conducted in shared studio spaces with other staff present
Appropriate Boundaries
- Physical contact is limited to side hugs, high-fives, or other appropriate, non-invasive gestures
- Adults do not exchange personal contact information with minors (all communication goes through parents/guardians)
- Adults do not engage with participants on personal social media accounts
- Gift-giving is prohibited unless part of an official program activity
3. Trauma-Informed Practices
We recognize that many participants may have experienced trauma, adversity, or challenging life circumstances. Our staff and mentors are trained in trauma-informed approaches that prioritize:
- Safety: Physical and emotional safety in all interactions
- Trustworthiness: Consistent, predictable, and transparent practices
- Choice: Empowering girls to make decisions about their participation
- Collaboration: Shared decision-making and partnership with participants
- Empowerment: Recognizing strengths and building on resilience
- Cultural sensitivity: Respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences
Opt-Out and Opt-In Options
Girls are never forced to participate in activities that feel uncomfortable. They may opt out of portrait sessions, sharing exercises, or any activity without penalty or pressure.
4. Parental Consent and Communication
All participants under 18 must have signed parental/guardian consent to participate.
Consent forms include:
- Program participation agreement
- Media and photo release (optional and customizable)
- Medical and emergency contact information
- Permission for transportation (if applicable)
- Disclosure of support needs or accommodations
Ongoing Communication
Parents and guardians receive regular updates about program activities, schedules, and their child's participation. They are welcome to contact staff with questions or concerns at any time.
5. Mandatory Reporting
All She Is Legendary staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters under state and federal law.
If a staff member, mentor, or volunteer has reasonable suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, they are legally required to report it to the appropriate authorities (e.g., Child Protective Services, law enforcement).
Reportable Concerns Include:
- Physical abuse or harm
- Sexual abuse or exploitation
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Danger to self or others
Confidentiality is maintained to the extent allowed by law, but safety always takes precedence.
6. Code of Conduct for Adults
All adults affiliated with She Is Legendary agree to:
- Treat all participants with respect, dignity, and compassion
- Never use physical, emotional, or verbal abuse
- Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times
- Never engage in romantic or sexual conduct with participants
- Avoid situations that could be perceived as inappropriate
- Report any concerns or policy violations immediately
- Respect confidentiality and privacy (within legal limits)
- Use inclusive, affirming, and age-appropriate language
- Never use substances (alcohol, drugs) during program activities
Violation of this Code of Conduct
Any violation results in immediate suspension or termination from the program and may be reported to law enforcement if applicable.
7. Safe Spaces and Facilities
All program facilities are:
- Accessible, clean, and well-maintained
- Equipped with emergency exits and fire safety equipment
- Free from hazards or unsafe conditions
- Supervised at all times during program hours
- Designed to allow visibility and open interaction
We conduct safety inspections before each program session.
8. Medical and Emergency Protocols
- Emergency contact information is collected for all participants and kept on-site
- Staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR
- First aid kits are available at all program locations
- Parents/guardians are notified immediately in case of injury or medical concern
- Emergency services (911) are called for serious injuries or medical emergencies
Participants with medical needs (allergies, medications, conditions) should disclose this information on consent forms. All medical information is kept confidential.
9. Privacy and Confidentiality
Participant information is kept confidential and is shared only with authorized staff, parents/guardians, and when legally required.
Personal stories, creative work, and photos are never shared publicly without explicit written consent. Participants have the right to remain anonymous or use first names only in showcases or publications.
See our Privacy Policy for more details.
10. Bullying and Harassment Prevention
She Is Legendary has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior.
This includes:
- Physical bullying (hitting, pushing, unwanted physical contact)
- Verbal bullying (name-calling, insults, threats)
- Social bullying (exclusion, rumor-spreading, humiliation)
- Cyberbullying (harassment via digital communication)
- Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic
Reporting and Response
Participants, parents, or staff can report bullying or harassment to program leadership. All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed with appropriate intervention.
11. Incident Reporting and Review
All safety concerns, incidents, or policy violations are documented in an incident report and reviewed by program leadership.
We conduct regular safety audits, review policies annually, and make updates as needed to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
Parents/guardians are notified of any incidents involving their child.
12. Limits of Our Role
She Is Legendary is a mentorship and youth empowerment organization, not a clinical or therapeutic service.
While we provide supportive, confidence-building programming, we are not equipped to provide mental health counseling, crisis intervention, or therapeutic treatment.
Referral Partnerships
If a participant requires deeper emotional, psychological, or clinical support, we will work with families to connect them with qualified mental health professionals or community resources.
Our role is to provide safe, supportive, creative spaces — not to replace professional care when needed.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about our Youth Safety Policy, want to report a concern, or need clarification on any of our protocols, please contact us immediately.
Safety is our priority.
We are committed to creating spaces where girls can grow, create, and become with dignity, respect, and care.